PLANS to construct an all-weather sports pitch on re-contoured land at Newbury Rugby Club were given the go-ahead by district councillors last night (Wednesday).
The application, submitted by Newbury Rugby Football Club, will see part of the land at Monks Lane flattened out to create a pitch that can be used for a variety of sports, including football, tennis and netball.
Concerns had been raised prior to the planning committee meeting over the drainage from the site, the number of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) movements needed to transport the 43,500 cubic metres of inert landfill and over the visual impact of a proposed 5m fence at the site to prevent stray balls being kicked onto the road.
However officers recommended approval for the application and said a temporary access would be created for HGVs off Monks Lane in the north-east corner of the site, with the exit via the existing road junction adjacent to the surgery and pharmacy.
Officers added the proposed fence to the north-west of the all-weather pitch would be located behind the existing hedge, allowing the hedge to continue to grow to eventually block out the fence from the road.
Councillor Julian Swift-Hook (Lib Dem, Greenham), said: “A lot has been said of how fortunate we are to have this facility and a team that plays at the level Newbury play and I think we want to be doing what we can to encourage continuing development of the rugby club.
“It will be uncomfortable [for local residents] for the first phase [of re-contouring the land], but the second phase, [which is construction of the pitch] is not likely to impact to the same degree.
“This does tick a lot of boxes in terms of recycling and I propose we accept officer recommendations.”
Councillors unanimously agreed on the plans, subject to several conditions relating to the duration of development, the restriction of vehicle movements and the hours of construction, among other things.